Pre Guide Work
There are a few things that need to be completed before starting this guide. Most of these things should already be completed, but if they are not, please do so.
Game Setup
If it is not, Steam should be installed to a location not affected by User Account Control (UAC). This is typically a place outside of C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\. A separate hard drive, preferably a SSD, is recommended. If a separate drive is not available, a separate partition on a single hard drive is the second best option. If neither options are available, using the root of the system drive is recommended: C:\Steam\. If Steam is already installed to a UAC controlled area, users can move the program installation by following the instructions here: How do I move my existing Steam Installation?.
Once the game is installed, users will need to complete an initial setup:
- Launch Skyrim Special Edition from within Steam
- Accept any default settings and click [Play] to launch the game
- Once at the main menu, exit the game to desktop.
- The game files have now been initialized and the game is ready for modding.
Game Cleanup
This section only needs to be completed by users who have already had the game installed and modded prior to installing this guide.
Users upgrading from v1 of the guide or users who have previously modded Skyrim SE with NMM or WB, will need to ensure they revert their installation back to a vanilla state. The easiest way to accomplish this is to simply delete all the files/folders in the Skyrim root directory, and then re-verify the files using Steam. This will re-download the latest version of the game files in their vanilla states. This method is my suggestion for most users and is what I, personally, did as well. Advanced users can pick and choose which files to remove to ensure they're back to a vanilla install state. In either case, the Data folder should be in a 100% vanilla state before continuing this guide. This is due to MO's use of a virtual file system which keeps the game's Data folder pristine during modding.
Manager Installation
Mod Organizer 2 (MO2) is now the recommended mod manager for this guide. Mod Organizer has proven its versatility as a mod manager through countless hours of modding Skyrim LE, and has earned my respect as the optimal manager to be used by newbies and veterans alike. I am very happy to be using it again for Skyrim SE and this guide.
Mod Organizer 2
Download
Users should download the latest stable version from Nexus. This should at least be version 2.1.1 or higher.
- Download the Installer Version main file: Nexus
Installation
Next we need to set up the installation folder. Below is how I, personally, set up my installation. Users are free to change their paths and folder names.
- Navigate to the root Skyrim SE folder (
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\) - Create a new folder for the MO2 files.
- I named mine Mod Organizer 2:
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Mod Organizer 2\
- I named mine Mod Organizer 2:
- Navigate to the file downloaded above and run it.
- Leave the defaults besides:
- On the Choose Components page users can opt to have MO2 handle NXM links or not. I opted yes.
- On the Choose Components page users should install a Startmenu Shortcut for easy uninstalling later when upgrading.
- On the Choose Install Location page, browse to the folder created in step 2:
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Mod Organizer 2\
- Install the program.
- Opt to [Run Mod Organizer 2.X.X] and click [Finish]
MO2 Setup
- MO2 should have launched from the installation above. If not, launch it for the first time now.
- Upon launch, users will have a choose between setting it up as portable or create a new instance. Choose to create a new instance.
- Select [SkyrimSE] and choose [OK].
- A prompt will appear informing you about the option of changing the location of data stored. Read it and click past it.
- The installer should automatically detect the Skyrim SE installation (
...Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\). Select it. If it didn't, browse to it's root folder.- Another prompt will appear for first time installers asking to run the tutorial or not. First time MO users should run it. Experienced MO users can skip it.
- MO2 is now set up and ready to use.
Category Markers
Category Markers are separators in the mod pane (left pane) to help users visualize the separate categories. Though it is not necessary, I recommend users setting up a new marker for each mod section below. To do this:
- Double-click on the Overwrite folder at the bottom of the mod list in the left pane.
- In the pane of the new window, right-click and choose [New Folder].
- Rename the folder to Docs and close the window.
- Right-click on the Overwrite folder and choose [Create Mod...].
- Enter the category name in the box and choose [OK].
Utilities
Since some utilities are now able to be used across multiple games, I have started organizing them on my personal system within a centralized location instead of within the game's folder. Users are not required to use my organization and may organize the utilities whichever way works best for them individually. Many of these utilities will already be installed on on the system due to their use for other games. If any of them are already installed, there is no reason to re-install them for this guide unless users wish to use a single copy of the software for each game. I find this a waste of space and unnecessary so the instructions below will instruct installation for how I install the utilities. Again, users may install these utilities however they wish.
Utilities Folder Setup
First a centralized folder will be needed to install the utilities to:
- Choose a location outside of UAC control and outside of the game's folder for the new folder and open that location up in an Explorer window.
- I have chosen:
D:\Modding\
- I have chosen:
- Click [New folder] on the menu bar of the window.
- Name the folder and hit [Enter] to accept it.
- I have chosen Programs for my name because it is descriptive of what is housed within.
- (optional) It is recommended to create a shortcut to this folder location for ease of access to these utilities.
- Open the new folder and keep the window open for the utilities installations.
Utilities Installation
Creation Kit
The Creation Kit (CK) is required for mod conversion and will be used within this guide for this purpose. To obtain the CK:
- Download and install Bethesda.net Launcher.
- Run the Launcher and sign in (create an account if you don't have one).
- Users should see the grey "Creation" icon on the left. Click on it and install.
- Users should now launch the CK, choose no to extracting the scripts, and close the program.
There are a few edits to the INI file that need to be made before users can use the CK to port mods.
- Download the file that TechAngel85 has made for us here.
- Extract the file into the root Skyrim Special Edition directory:
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\.
BethINI
Download: Nexus
- Description
- A utility used for setting up and editing game INIs.
Installation
- Download the utility from Nexus
- Extract the contents to the new folder created above:
- On my system this is:
D:\Modding\Programs\BethINI\.
- On my system this is:
- BethINI will be ran and setup up at the end of the guide.
DynDOLOD
Download: Beta via Mega (v2.36 beta 7)
- Description
- This is an utility used to create a mod based on the load order, which adds custom, distant LOD for objects to Skyrim.
Installation
- Download the archive file.
- Extract the contents to the new folder created above:
- On my system this is:
D:\Modding\Programs\DynDOLOD Standalone\.
- On my system this is:
DynDOLOD Setup
- Open the installed DynDOLOD folder from above.
- Right-click on TexGen64.exe and choose [Create shortcut].
- Right-click on the newly created shortcut and choose [Properties].
- In the Target field after the ending quote, type a space and
-sse- It should look like:
TexGenx64.exe" -sse
- It should look like:
- Repeat steps 2 through 4 for DynDOLODx64.exe.
LOOT
Download: Nexus
- Description
- A program used for sorting plugins for load orders.
Installation
- Download the utility from Nexus and run the installer.
- Install LOOT to the new folder created above.
- On my system this is:
D:\Modding\Programs\LOOT\
- On my system this is:
SSE Edit
Download: Nexus
- Description
- This is an utility used for conflict resolution between plugins, cleaning plugins, and other various uses. Users installing mods beyond the scope of this guide are encouraged to learn how to resolve mod conflicts using this tool.
Installation
- Download the utility from Nexus
- Extract the contents to the new folder created above:
- On my system this is:
D:\Modding\Programs\SSEEdit\.
- On my system this is:
Wrye Bash
Download: Nexus
- Description
- Wrye Bash is a mod manager with a few special features. For this guide we'll be using WB for its Bashed Patch feature, which allows users to combine (bash) a few simple mods together, maintain game tweaks, and merge leveled lists.
Installation
- Download the main file from Nexus
- Run the executable.
- Uncheck the boxes for [Install for Skyrim].
- Ensure the path for the Skyrim SE installation is correct.
- Click [Next] and [Install].
- Do not run WB yet. Simply close the installer.
Utility Setup - Mod Organizer
Since Mod Organizer works with a virtual file system (VFS), the utilities much be set up to be ran through MO; else the utilities will not be able to see mod files. I will show users the basics of how to do this below. Furthermore, MO may have automatically detected some installed utilities such as LOOT. Please ensure these auto-detected utilities are set up correctly.
- Click the gears icon.
- In the Binary box, browse to the location of your installed utility, select the utility's executable, and choose [Open].
- For this example, I will use SSEEdit and mine is located here:
D:\Modding\Programs\SSEEdit\SSEEdit.exe
- For this example, I will use SSEEdit and mine is located here:
- In the Title box name the utility.
- I chose SSEEdit.
- In the Arguments box, add in arguments you may wish to pass to the utility at run.
- I have added the -IKnowWhatImDoing argument for SSEEdit which turns off the warning prompt.
- Check the Use Application's Icon for shortcuts box and click [Add].
- Repeat steps 2 through 5 to add the necessary utilities to MO. Users should add at least the following:
- Creation Kit
- DynDOLOD
- Add argument: -sse
- DynDOLOD TexGen
- Add argument: -sse
- LOOT
- SSEEdit
- Wrye Bash
DLC Maintenance
Mod Organizer allows us to easily manage the DLC. By placing the cleaned DLCs into their own mod installations within MO, we can maintain cleaned DLC files during a Creation Club update without the need to re-clean them. The process is the same for all files, therefore, I will lay out instructions for one file and users and rinse and repeat for the rest.
Cleaning with SSEEdit
- Select SSEEdit from the executable drop-down in MO and click the [Run] button.
- Only select Update.esm and click [Ok].
- Once loaded, right-click on the last plugin in the left pane and choose [Apply Filter for Cleaning].
- Once applied, right-click on Update.esm and select [Install Options
None
SFO Tree LOD
Star and Galaxy Textures
Beyond Skyrim - Bruma SE
Falskaar
Lightning During Thunderstorms
]
Wonders of Weather
Download: Wonders of Weather
- Description
- This mod adds Rain Splashes, Rainbows and Shooting Stars to the game.
Installation
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions Wonders of Weather |
Options Core
Optionals
Install |
Clothing & Equipment
The follow mods address armors, weapons, clothing, adornments, and any dealing with wearables. Users should create a new marker for this section.
aMidianBorn Blade of Woe
Download: aMidianBorn Blade of Woe
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for the Blade of Woe.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
aMidianBorn Book of Silence = Armors (Skyrim LE)
Download: aMidianBorn book of silence_ARMORS
- Description
- This mod provides high quality textures for armors.
Installation
- Download the specified file.
- Choose the FOMOD options listed below,
- Options = Custom
- Iron and Banded = Iron
- Steel = Steel
- Steel Plate = Steel Plate
- Leather = Leather
- Hide and Studded = None
- Fur = None
- Elven = Elven - Dark (default)
- Dwarven = Dwarven
- Ancient Nord = Ancient Nord
- Orcish = Orcish
- Scaled = None
- Wolf = Wolf Grey
- Glass = Glass Variants
- Ebony = Ebony Differently
- Blades = Blades
- Falmer = Falmer
Post Installation
- After installation, Hide the following file(s) and/or folder(s):
- Glass Varients.esp
- AMB Glass Variants Lore.esp
- Differently Ebony.esp
- meshes\armor\blades\1stpersonbladesarmor_0.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\1stpersonbladesarmor_1.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\1stpersonbladesarmorf_0.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\1stpersonbladesarmorf_1.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\bladesarmor_0.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\bladesarmor_1.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\bladesarmorf_0.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\bladesarmorf_1.nif
- meshes\armor\blades\bladeshelmetf.nif
- Install the mod.
aMidianBorn Blades Armor SSE Patch
Download: aMidianBorn Blades Armor SSE Patch
- Description
- Gets rid of those nasty triangle errors for aMidianBorn Blades Armor.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
aMidianBorn Book of Silence = Creatures
Download: aMidianBorn book of silence_Creatures
- Description
- This mod provides high quality textures for several Creatures.
Installation
- Download the specified file.
- Choose the FOMOD options listed below,
- Options = Custom
- Skeleton = Skeleton
- Dragon Priest = Dragon Priest
- Draugr = Draugr
- Falmer = Falmer
- Chaurus = Chaurus
- Spriggan = Spriggan
- Install the mod.
aMidianBorn Book of Silence = DragonBorn DLC
Download: aMidianBorn book of silence_DRAGONBORN DLC
- Description
- This mod provides high quality textures for Dragonborn DLC.
Installation
- Download the specified file.
- Choose the FOMOD options listed below,
- Options = Custom
- Nordic Carved Armor = Black Fur (default)
- Bonemold Armor = Bonemold Armor
- Acolyte Masks = Acolyte Masks
- Dragon Priest Acolytes = Dragon Priest Acolytes
- Hulking Draugr = Hulking Draugr
- Ash Spawn = Ash Spawn
- Ash Guardians = Ash Guardians
- Install the mod.
Post Installation Instructions
- After installation, Rename the following file(s) and/or folder(s):
- textures/actors/dlc02/ash folder to textures/actors/dlc02/ashman
aMidianBorn Book of Silence = Unique Items (Skyrim LE)
Download: aMidianBorn book of silence_UNIQUE ITEMS
- Description
- This mod adds high quality texture so some of the unique items found in the game.
Installation
- Download the specified file.
- Choose the FOMOD options listed below,
- Options - Install everything
- Install the mod.
Post Installation
- After installation, Move the following file(s) and/or folder(s):
- meshes/staffofmagnus folder to meshes/weapons/staffofmagnus.
aMidianBorn Book of Silence = Weapons (Skyrim LE)
Download: aMidianBorn book of silence_WEAPONS
- Description
Installation
- Download the specified file.
- Choose the FOMOD options listed below,
- Custom
- Weapons = Draugr
- Weapons = Dwarven
- Weapons = Iron
- Weapons = Orcish
- Weapons = Silver
- Weapons = Staves
- Weapons = Steel
- Install the mod.
Post Installation
- After installation, Hide the following file(s) and/or folder(s):
- Meshes Folder
aMidianBorn Hide and Studded Hide
Download: aMidianBorn Hide and Studded Hide v2
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for hide and studded hide armor sets.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
aMidianBorn Imperial Light and Studded
Download: aMidianBorn Imperial Light 1dot1_2k
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for the light imperial armor sets (both regular and studded).
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
aMidianBorn Iron and Banded Iron Armor
Download: aMidianBorn Iron cabals cut 2K
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for the iron and banded armor set.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
aMidianBorn Scaled Armor
Download: aMidianBorn Scaled V2
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for the scaled armor set.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
aMidianBorn Steel Armor
Download: aMidianBorn steel RC4
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for the steel armor set.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
aMidianBorn Stormcloak Officer Armor
Download: aMidianBorn Stormcloak Officer Armor
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for the stormcloak officer armor set.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks SE = Loose Files
Download: Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks Loose
- Description
- This mod is a texture replacer for the Dragon Priest Masks
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Circlets or Masks with all Robes and Hoods
Download: Circlets or Masks with all Robes and Hoods
- Description
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Elemental Staffs SE = Main File = 2k-1k = Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim version
Download: Elemental Staffs SE 2K-1K
- Description
- This mod makes the Staffs in Skyrim appear unique to their power level and elemental alignment.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Gemling Queen Jewelry SE
Download: Gemling Queen Jewelry SE
- Description
- This mod aims to replace all jewelry gemstones with actual transparency and depth, as opposed to flat, vertex coloured plastic.
Installation
- Download the main file
- Select the following sub-packages:
- 00 - Amulets
- 01b- Gamwich Amulet Textures 1k
- 10 - Circlets
- 20 - Rings
- 21a - Gamwich Ring Textures - Combined 1k
- 40 Dawnguard Addon
- Install the mod.
Greatsword Sheaths and Scabbards Redux SE
Download: Greatsword Sheaths and Scabbards Redux SE
- Description
- This mod adds custom sheaths and scabbards to all the greatswords in Skyrim.
Installation
- Download the specified file.
- Choose the FOMOD options listed below,
- Meshes Type = Meshes = Thin
- Sheath/Scabbard Type = Fullsize
- Skyforge Steel = Skyforge Steel
- Install the mod.
Dragonbone Mastery - Weapons Retexture
Download: Dragonbone Mastery - WITH Engravings
- Description
- High quality retexture of the dragonbone weapons.
Installation
- Download the Small Resolution - Dragonbone Mastery - WITH Engravings optional file.
- Select the following sub-packages:
- 00 Main Normals
- 01 Main Files Darker
- 02 New Arrow
- 03 Short Scabbard Texture 1
- 04 Required For Short Scabbard - Transparent Meshes
- Install the mod.
Improved Closefaced Helmets
Download: Improved Closefaced Helmets (SSE)
- Description
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
LeanWolfs Better-Shaped Weapons SE = Main File
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Download: LeanWolfs Better-Shaped Weapons INSTALLER SE
Installation
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LeanWolfs Better-Shaped Weapons SE = Optional File = Arrow Update
Download: LeanWolfs Better-Shaped Weapons-Arrow Update
- Description
- Fixes minor dark spots on Orcish, Steel & Skyforge quivers - overwrite main files.
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Nightingale Prime HD = Leather Version (Skyrim LE)
Download: Nightingale Prime HD - Leather Version
- Description
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Rustic Clothing SE 2K
Download: RUSTIC CLOTHING - Special Edition - 2K
- Description
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Rustic Forsworn 2K (Skyrim LE)
Download: RUSTIC FORSWORN - 2K
- Description
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Ultimate HD Torch = High Res 2K (Skyrim LE)
Download: Ultimate HD Torch - 2048x2048
- Description
Installation
- Download the Specified file, than install the mod.
Clutter & Miscellaneous
High Quality Food and Ingredients SE
Download: High Quality Food and Ingredients SE
- Description
- This mod retextures a lot of the food and ingredients while keeping the vanilla style.
Installation
- Download the main file and move the mod into the Bash Installers folder.
- Select all the sub-packages except the following:
- 02 cabbage01
- 08 chicken
- 10 cooked beef
- 14 cooked venison
- 17 aider cheese02
- 20 goat cheese01
- 35 salmon01
- 40 All Texture
- Install the mod.
Ruins Clutter Improved
Download: Ruins_Clutter_Improved_SE_NMM_v3-8
- Description
- This mod does improve textures and meshes and also corrects UV errors of many clutter objects, which can mostly be found in the dungeons of Skyrim.
Installation
- Download the specified file.
- Choose the FOMOD options listed below, than click Install.
- Options = Install Everything
- Install the mod.
Creatures of Skyrim
Player & NPCs Retexture
Animations & Effects
Audio
Basic Needs & Survival
Combat & Traps
Economy & Food
Followers & Companions
New Armors, Items & Weapons
New Creatures
New NPCs & Behavior
Travel
Vampire & Werewolf Overhauls
Alchemy
Attributes
Crafting & Smithing
Magic, Shouts, & Enchantments
Perks & Leveling
Utilities
PapyrusUtil SE
Download: Nexus
- Description
- An SKSE plugin adding several new scripts with native functions that provide various conveniences related to data storage and other misc functions to the scripter/modder.
Installation
- Download the main file and install the mod.
